It seemed like a good idea...
Posted on 04/12/2017 2:59:17 AM PDT by csvset
Is Komodo dragon blood the key to new antibiotics?
Komodo dragonScience Photo Library The Komodo dragon is the largest living lizard in the world Komodo dragon blood contains an important compound which scientists think could offer a new treatment for infected wounds.
The reptile's saliva harbours many different types of bacteria, which somehow do not affect the dragon.
Scientists at George Mason University in the US created a synthetic compound based on a molecule in dragon blood that had antimicrobial activity.
They found it promoted the healing of infected wounds in mice.
The study - published in npj Biofilms and Microbiomes - suggests that the protein could potentially be developed into an antibiotic in the future.
The scientists believe this could be a step forward in the quest to find new antibiotics that are needed to fight multidrug-resistant pathogens.
Enter the dragon
The dragons that are found on five islands in Indonesia have more than 80 bacterial strains in their mouths, including some that cause blood poisoning or sepsis.
The reptiles are not harmed by the bacteria - suggesting they are immune.
Led by Monique van Hoek, the team in Virginia found DRGN-1 worked well on infected wounds in mice against two bacterial strains, the "superbugs" Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphlyococcus aureus, also known as MRSA.
These two bacteria are particularly stubborn and hard to treat as they have bacteria that stick together to form colonies (or biofilms) that are much more resistant to antibiotics than a single bacterium.
They suggest that DRGN-1 assists wound-healing both through antimicrobial activity and also by promoting the migration of skin cells to close the wound.
Although it has only been tested on mice and on only two bacteria strains, they believe DRGN-1 is a good candidate for additional studies and possible development as
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...
Looks promising.
The flagon with the dragon has the cure that is sure!
Komodo Dragon Blood cures cancer! =P
But of course.
I can foresee potential drawbacks to this.
For one, DRGN-1 is a protein. Our bodies react against proteins. The most likely reaction would be an immune response, which would begin immediately and reach a peak in about 2 weeks. Once the body mounts an immune response against the protein, it would be useless as an antibiotic because the body would destroy it as soon as it is applied or administered.
The other potential problem is allergic reaction. An allergic reaction is also an immune response, but of a different component of the immune system. Unfortunately, allergens have the potential to evoke very strong, life-threatening immune responses.
In order for DRGN-1 to be effective, it has to NOT be immunogenic through either pathway. Until that can be shown to be the case, it is not time to get excited about this. Many, many potential drugs show promise in cell culture or in rodents, but never make it much further.
I was thinking the same thing
or...we could end up with dragon super powers. I say we go for it. Begin the synthesis. Engage.
It seemed like a good idea...
DRGN-1 = Dragon-1? How original.
Poor dragons, they’ll be hunted down like Ben Richards in “The Immortal”:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Immortal_(TV_series)
No, the pellet with the poison is in the Flagon with the Dragon, the Vessel with the Pestle has the brew that is true.
Thankfully there aren’t any here or the kitties would be dragging them in to show off their kills.
I think this is made in a lab though, so technically it is the vessel with the pestle.
What was in the chalice with the palice?
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